From Coding To Coffee: How A Computer Science Major Found Joy As A Barista – CoffeeTalk

Taipei, Taiwan—Nian Yang-yi, a computer science major, has found unexpected fulfillment in his role as a barista, a position that has not only broadened his perspective on the coffee supply chain but has also transformed his personal interactions. In just four months, he earned the internationally recognized Arabica Q Grader certification, marking a significant achievement in his coffee journey.

“I used to avoid human interaction,” Nian recalls, “but being a barista meant I had to understand customers, chat, and connect with them.” Initially, engaging patrons was a daunting challenge. Conversations often ended awkwardly, but over time, he learned to navigate social interactions more comfortably and connect on a deeper level with his customers.

In 2022, Nian began volunteering at a community café run by Believe in Next Generation, a nonprofit organization. He regularly serves as a barista at the café, which offers coffee for a donation. Located in a military village, the café has become a gathering spot for elderly residents, some of whom arrive early just to see him. “They didn’t directly say they needed companionship, but I could feel it,” Nian shared.

Many elderly patrons have taken the opportunity to share their life stories with him—tales from Taiwan’s martial law years and the Japanese colonial era—highlighting one of coffee’s most profound meanings: the ability to bring people together to share their experiences.

While Nian finds joy in his work, he acknowledges the financial challenges that come with it.

Some of his engineering friends have expressed envy for his ability to turn a passion into a job, but that sentiment often changes when discussing salaries, which can be two to three times higher than his own. This has led him to contemplate the balance between pursuing his interests and the reality of financial stability.

Living with his parents in New Taipei City, Nian shares a mortgage with his sister for their family home, contributing approximately 15,000 Taiwan dollars each month. To manage his finances, he limits recreational spending, traveling only once every three or four years. Since coffee is both his profession and hobby, a significant portion of his discretionary income is directed toward coffee courses and activities, allowing him to save around 10,000 to 15,000 Taiwan dollars monthly.

Nian is also finding ways to supplement his income through side hustles, such as judging coffee competitions and teaching courses, which add an additional 5% to 10% to his monthly earnings. “Some people choose high-paying jobs and use their salaries to fund hobbies. Others, like me, turned their passion into work, even with less money,” he said.

As he reflects on his journey, Nian emphasizes the importance of envisioning the life one wants and determining if a passion is strong enough to lead there.

“If I could start over, my choice probably wouldn’t change—it would still be coffee,” he stated, solidifying his commitment to a career that brings him joy and personal connection.

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